Prioritize measurable KPIs: transit time to major customer zones, order accuracy, on-time-in-full (OTIF), average pick/pack time, inventory accuracy, and integration capabilities (WMS/API). Also evaluate minimums, peak capacity handling, returns processing, and chargeback policies to align service levels with growth forecasts.

Model outbound and inbound freight, last-mile costs, inventory carrying cost, labor differentials, warehousing rates, and handling fees. Include lane consolidation benefits, potential zonal savings, and service-level tradeoffs. Run scenario analyses for volume tiers and seasonality to quantify net landed-cost impact.

Verify dock door counts, trailer marshalling yards, racking and clear height, cold chain capacity if needed, material-handling equipment, security, and WMS functionality. Confirm local TL and LTL carrier relationships, frequency of service to key lanes, and any intermodal connectivity or transload options.

Negotiate clear SLAs for delivery windows, order accuracy, inventory reconciliation cadence, liability and insurance limits, price escalation clauses, minimum volume commitments, termination terms, audit rights, and defined remedies or chargebacks for SLA breaches.